# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=341 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 342 --- ## [Comparison of Power](https://community.cartalk.com/t/comparison-of-power/74937)
**Author:** [@StandardFiend](https://community.cartalk.com/u/StandardFiend)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/comparison-of-power/74937 "2012-10-12T23:13:15Z")
Hey there guys, fresh-faced new user here! Thanks to an archived discussion on this site, I now know what it means when a car is described as having 'X horsepower at Y RPM.' So, specifically in comparing my '96 BMW 3… --- ## [Keys locked in car leads to broken window. Who pays?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keys-locked-in-car-leads-to-broken-window-who-pays/74943)
**Author:** [@Alfhild](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Alfhild)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 10:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keys-locked-in-car-leads-to-broken-window-who-pays/74943 "2012-10-12T22:52:37Z")
My husband locked his keys in his Ford Focus ZX3. A mechanic shop happens to be across the street and one of the guys comes by to shimmy the door open for a cost of 50 bucks. He uses a plastic wedge. As the door pops … --- ## [Tesla in Big Trouble](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tesla-in-big-trouble/74704)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 2:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tesla-in-big-trouble/74704 "2012-10-12T02:28:48Z")
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/Tesla-has-to-repay-US-loan-faster-as-production-lags-70001189/tesla-federal-loan-model-s/70001189/1 The article states that Tesla has to repay its loans to t… --- ## ['94 Ranger Supercab 4WD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/94-ranger-supercab-4wd/74836)
**Author:** [@jp360ford](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jp360ford)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/94-ranger-supercab-4wd/74836 "2012-10-11T01:17:58Z")
I am wanting to lift my '94 Ranger and put slightly bigger tires on it. I am learning all it's quirks and it's in need of some basic repairs. I recently discovered that my left front wheel bearing is going out and that m… --- ## [Which small hatchback or wagon for towing a teardrop RV?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-small-hatchback-or-wagon-for-towing-a-teardrop-rv/74894)
**Author:** [@carrobers](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carrobers)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 12:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-small-hatchback-or-wagon-for-towing-a-teardrop-rv/74894 "2012-10-11T00:51:49Z")
Hi, I wanted to buy a VW TDI Wagon with70000 miles on it but my partner was afraid of the repair bills for a diesel so for a quiet life I am going with perhaps a Mazda3 hatchback, or perhaps a subaru impreza. But I wan… --- ## [Mazda 5 Clock Spring Kills Air Bag](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-5-clock-spring-kills-air-bag/74901)
**Author:** [@Shully](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shully)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 9:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-5-clock-spring-kills-air-bag/74901 "2012-10-10T21:05:27Z")
I've got a 2007 Mazda 5, 100k miles on it. Recently the air bag warning light came on. The local mechanic pulled an error code indicating an open circuit associated with the drivers side airbag. The didn't want to tac… --- ## [Does Cel phone charger drains the battery](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-cel-phone-charger-drains-the-battery/74873)
**Author:** [@Oldbutstillrunning](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oldbutstillrunning)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 2:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-cel-phone-charger-drains-the-battery/74873 "2012-10-10T14:27:27Z")
I have a 2000 Honda Civic and recently my battery died, and two month ago a I stated charging my cel phone on my way to work. Does charging the mobile at your car drains the battery? or my battery was about to die anywa… --- ## [Does Anyone Have a 2012 Prius V?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-2012-prius-v/74708)
**Author:** [@Gayledamelin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gayledamelin)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 12:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-2012-prius-v/74708 "2012-10-10T12:58:04Z")
Hi Wonderful Car Talk Community!!!!! You all are always sooooooo helpful!!!! I am on the cusp of purchasing a new car. My Toyota Corolla has 210,000. The check engine and air bag lights are on and my mechanic has … --- ## [2001 Jag XJ8, Having problems engaging shifter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-jag-xj8-having-problems-engaging-shifter/74798)
**Author:** [@LetsPlayArmis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LetsPlayArmis)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 5:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-jag-xj8-having-problems-engaging-shifter/74798 "2012-10-10T05:58:37Z")
This problem started about a year ago, was occasional. but over the past few months has rapidly worsened. Before I can shift out of park I must depress the brake which is suppose to unlock the shifter and engage the b… --- ## [Mounting wheels from different car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mounting-wheels-from-different-car/74850)
**Author:** [@kkstl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kkstl)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 12:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mounting-wheels-from-different-car/74850 "2012-10-10T00:19:41Z")
I recently bought a pair of brand new wheels that came off of a Ford GT car. I am thinking of mounting these wheels on my Ford Windstar Van. The hole patterns match but I am not sure the hole size is the same. Is it safe… --- ## [The government blows it, again (why we have no compact pickups)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-government-blows-it-again-why-we-have-no-compact-pickups/74774)
**Author:** [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2012, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-government-blows-it-again-why-we-have-no-compact-pickups/74774 "2012-10-09T01:20:11Z")
We often get questions about why there aren't more compact pickups like the recently-cancelled (here, at least) Ford Ranger. You can thank the Feds and the new CAFE standards. Read all about it here: http://www.thetrut… --- ## [GO Granny GO!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/go-granny-go/74784)
**Author:** [@oldbodyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldbodyman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 7:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/go-granny-go/74784 "2012-10-08T19:43:29Z")
http://autos.aol.com/article/102-year-old-woman-still-drives-her-82-year-old-car/?ncid=txtlnkusauto00000020 I just hope I am sill here at 102. --- ## [My poor VW](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-poor-vw/74847)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Stan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dr_Stan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 12:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-poor-vw/74847 "2012-10-08T00:33:56Z")
Last Sat I was driving east in a mixed residential/business area on a three lane street. A pick up was headed west and as we both came to an intersection an idiot driving a small Toyota SUV blew through a stop sign doin… --- ## [In a post-Baja universe](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-a-post-baja-universe/74740)
**Author:** [@Rufus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rufus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-a-post-baja-universe/74740 "2012-10-07T23:53:08Z")
I have a 2003 Subaru Baja that is the PREFECT vehicle for me. I need room for 3 kids and since I have to take my garbage to the dump once a month I don't have it stinking up the interior. It's relatively small. It's p… --- ## [Slick 50 Commercials from the 80s and 90s](https://community.cartalk.com/t/slick-50-commercials-from-the-80s-and-90s/74816)
**Author:** [@gdawgs](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gdawgs)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2012, 3:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/slick-50-commercials-from-the-80s-and-90s/74816 "2012-10-07T15:16:17Z")
Can someone educate me as to how the TV magic occurred where people drained their oil pan (after using slick 50 or any other snake oil) and ran their engines for hours even days with no perceived issues. We recently … --- ## [Cheap car needed for new driver](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheap-car-needed-for-new-driver/74780)
**Author:** [@brad7945](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brad7945)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2012, 3:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheap-car-needed-for-new-driver/74780 "2012-10-07T03:04:14Z")
My daughter tore the front bumber and fender off our Highlander last week, with her license in hand for just a month. My logic is to get a very inexpensive honda civic or accord, (high mileage) or like product, and I wan… --- ## [Engine shuts down will restart only after a while](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shuts-down-will-restart-only-after-a-while/74840)
**Author:** [@HELINUT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/HELINUT)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shuts-down-will-restart-only-after-a-while/74840 "2012-10-06T20:34:15Z")
When I cut off the engine by mistake (shift slip ie ) the restart comes around but only after about 5 to 15 minutes . The last time this happened the car was at an intersection and this situation is getting dangeous. Why… --- ## [Headlights wont turn off](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlights-wont-turn-off/74818)
**Author:** [@carline](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carline)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlights-wont-turn-off/74818 "2012-10-06T20:32:12Z")
Can anyone help? i have an hyundi accent 1997 and the headlights wont turn off.i have had new fuses, relays and on/off stalk.the only way to turn them off is to take out the fuse which is a pain. someone has suggested i… --- ## [2003 ford ranger xlt cheap muffler help me](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-ranger-xlt-cheap-muffler-help-me/74794)
**Author:** [@mikeyjr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mikeyjr)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 9:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-ranger-xlt-cheap-muffler-help-me/74794 "2012-10-06T09:35:29Z")
I was wanting to know what would be a cheap good muffler to put on my truck without the cops messing with me know people. --- ## [On in yrs vs mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-in-yrs-vs-mileage/74751)
**Author:** [@cs2eye](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cs2eye)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 4:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-in-yrs-vs-mileage/74751 "2012-10-06T04:42:15Z")
so I'm trying to buy a used car. really can't really afford more than $20k. if I have a choice btwn $19k for a 10yr old car with 35k miles and a 5yr old with 80k miles, which way should I go? and pls explain why. ass… --- ## [Car Talk parody](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-parody/74795)
**Author:** [@shea48](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shea48)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-parody/74795 "2012-10-05T04:25:16Z")
Does any one know of some Car Talk parodies on the internet? --- ## [2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Duramax](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-gmc-sierra-2500-duramax/74807)
**Author:** [@mrsscubafish](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrsscubafish)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2012, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-gmc-sierra-2500-duramax/74807 "2012-10-04T02:16:14Z")
I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Duramax diesel pickup. It has been blowing white smoke from the tail pipe and drinking coolant, 10 - 15 gallons since February. There are no obvious leaks of coolant under the truck. Howe… --- ## [Automotive Testing and Development Services (ATDS)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-testing-and-development-services-atds/74799)
**Author:** [@asiatic\_sailor](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asiatic_sailor)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2012, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-testing-and-development-services-atds/74799 "2012-10-04T01:44:31Z")
I recieved a letter from Automotive Testing and Development Services (ATDS) out of Ontario, CA that included a letter from car manufacturer saying my car has been selected for a quality and performance test (emissions) p… --- ## [Snow Tires All Year?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-all-year/74767)
**Author:** [@EBT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/EBT)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2012, 11:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-all-year/74767 "2012-10-03T23:41:11Z")
My Toyota Matrix has always had poor traction on wet roads and is absolutely awful in the snow, even when the tires were brand new. I don't know if it's because the factory tires were lousy to begin with, or because the… --- ## [Trying to figure out the next car, needs to carry a wheelchair](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trying-to-figure-out-the-next-car-needs-to-carry-a-wheelchair/74745)
**Author:** [@anhic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/anhic)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2012, 6:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trying-to-figure-out-the-next-car-needs-to-carry-a-wheelchair/74745 "2012-10-03T06:06:26Z")
I am beginning to think of getting a new car, but can't figure out which would be the one to focus on. I want good fuel economy, and I want it to be able to carry my manual wheelchair without having to take it apart and… --- ## [Trying to decide when to trade in for larger vehicle. Help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trying-to-decide-when-to-trade-in-for-larger-vehicle-help/74707)
**Author:** [@donchanka](https://community.cartalk.com/u/donchanka)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trying-to-decide-when-to-trade-in-for-larger-vehicle-help/74707 "2012-10-03T02:03:21Z")
We're having a difficult time trying to decide whether or not to trade in our 2010 Mazda 5 for a true minivan with 8 passenger seating (most likely a used Honda Odyssey). We're a family of 5 (with three small kids) and … --- ## [Right to Repair on the ballot in Massachusetts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/right-to-repair-on-the-ballot-in-massachusetts/74747)
**Author:** [@caoimhin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/caoimhin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/right-to-repair-on-the-ballot-in-massachusetts/74747 "2012-10-02T16:53:43Z")
I just got my ballot (I'm an overseas voter) and in Massachusetts there's a referendum requiring car companies to give people the info they need to repair their cars. How cool is that? --- ## [Radiator](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator/74718)
**Author:** [@spider-man](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spider-man)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator/74718 "2012-10-02T02:11:28Z")
has anyone tired k-seal in there radiator. --- ## [Nothing remains the same](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nothing-remains-the-same/74712)
**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2012, 12:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nothing-remains-the-same/74712 "2012-10-02T00:16:34Z")
I'm sure we've this discussion before(being away a couple of years has dimmed my memory a bit) but what would you like see more standardized? It could relate to cars or anything,I have a huge assortment of oil filter wre… --- ## [Idling engines bad for Mother Earth](https://community.cartalk.com/t/idling-engines-bad-for-mother-earth/74648)
**Author:** [@jersey\_jane](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jersey_jane)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/idling-engines-bad-for-mother-earth/74648 "2012-10-01T20:22:33Z")
Frequently callers to Car Talk ask about idling their engines, whether it is good or bad for the car. It is not good for the car, correct? But way more important, it is bad for Mother Earth and children and dogs. It i… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=340) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=342)